84Part Four
Snafu's Notes: Rhaegar's battle armor is based off of Silvenger's depiction of the Lord of Dragons. You can see the armor for yourself on Rhaegar's profile in A Wiki of Ice and Fire. Also, I've modeled the older Arya Stark after Jennifer Lawrence in the Epilogue, which I've done up Fallout-style.
'By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. Remember, O Lord, The Children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem who said, "Raze it, raze it, even to the foundation." O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed. How happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us. Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.'
- Psalms 137:1, 7-9 as quoted by Joshua Graham, Fallout: New Vegas
A month had passed since the Assault on King's Landing, in which Rhaegar Targaryen and his forces not only rescued Eddard Stark and his daughters, but had successfully captured Cersei Lannister and her son, Joffrey. which was followed by the Rain of Fire which had all but destroyed the Lannister's war effort, and the surrender to Tywin Lannister.
Following the surrender of the Lion, the major House Lords converged onto King's Landing to swear fealty to the Dragon in exchange for a general amnesty. With three dragons behind Rhaegar and Daenerys Targaryen, it was an offer no one in their right mind would dare to refuse. However, as Rhaegar had continued the tradition of dynastic incest with his younger sister, he could not sit on the Iron Throne. Which is why Aegon Targaryen was chosen, as he was the next in line to rule.
To heal the wounds between House Stark and House Targaryen, Aegon had married Sansa Stark, while Robb Stark married Rhaenys Targaryen. It also helped that Sansa was strongly attracted to Aegon's roguish personality, and that Robb was already in love with Rhaenys whilst she was known as Talisa Maegyr. To the people of the North, it made them proud that one of their own was Queen. But no one could be even more prouder than Catelyn Stark.
Of course, with Sansa now the wife of Aegon Targaryen, the game of thones has been changed. Now, the highborn were working in trying to gain favor with the new rulers. With Rhaegar Targaryen as Hand to the King, that proved to be quite the challenge. Sansa was a bit naive, but was starting to wise up following her first engagement. Which is why Rhaegar had Nymeria Sand to instruct Sansa on the game of thrones, as well as political intrigue. Despite her bastard status, Sansa saw that Nymeria was a formidable instructor, given that her father was the Red Viper. Margaery Baratheon and Arianne Sand became Sansa's ladies-in-waiting, as well as her closest friends. Sansa also received instruction from Margaery's grandmother, Olenna Tyrell of Highgarden, who made the trip to King's Landing for the coronation ceremony.
As the Tullys were already present in King's Landing, Roose Bolton and his bastard son Ramsay Snow made the trip to King's Landing, along with the Greatjon Umber and Rickard Karstark for the coronation ceremony. Once his bannermen were present, Ned had brought the men up to speed, from his arrest to Sansa marrying Aegon. As expected, Rickard and the Greajon raised a big stink over it, but saw the advantages of Sansa being Aegon's wife.
The Small Council was overhauled as well, with Varys retaining his post as Master of Whisperers. Tyrion Lannister was the Master of Coin, while Mace Tyrell was the Master of Ships, following the resignation of Stannis Baratheon. Barristan Selmly was reinstated as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. The Citadel had sent over a new Grand Maester to replace Pycelle, a man named Ian. With Stannis and his family relocating to Storm's End, Renly Baratheon decided to settle in King's Landing and to remain on as Master of Laws, as his wife was one of Sansa's ladies-in-waiting. Oberyn Martell was named the King's Justice to replace Ilyn Payne, who was killed in the Invasion of King's Landing.
The Brotherhood Without Banners was formally recognized as a peacekeeping force, designed to help and aid the smallfolk, with Beric Dondarrion as its first commander. Aside from protecting the week, they also performed charity services, which made them especially popular with the smallfolk and some of the highborn. Even the High Septon approved of their actions. Even more so, they were loyal to House Targaryen.
Despite putting all of Westeros on a path to peace, the Dragon knew that the biggest threat to their rule sat in the dungeons of the Red Keep. It was time for the Lion to face its judgment.
With Sansa and Aegon...
"I think we're getting better at this," Sansa breathed as she laid in bed, her nude body covered with a bedsheet, red Tully hair in disarray.
"You'd think that, would you?" Aegon replied as he took a pull from a glass of water, before walking back to Sansa and handing it to her, who also drank from it, the King naked from the waist down.
The first time was the night after the wedding. As expected for someone having sex for the first time, they were clumsy. Sansa was very much surprised to find out that despite having every single girl throw themselves at Aegon from whores to serving girls, he was a virgin. The morning after, despite it all, Sansa was glowing, which did not escape the attention of Nymeria and her ladies-in-waiting. One thing she did reveal to Nymeria and the other girls is that Aegon was well-endowed.
'Count your blessings, Your Grace,' Margaery had told her. 'If I wasn't married to Renly, then I would have gone after him. But alas, he has eyes for you.'
'The gods have truly blessed me, both the old and new,' Sansa thought as she and Aegon kissed again, this time, Sansa on top of her husband, the kiss intensifying as she felt Aegon remove the sheet that was covering her body, her body shuddering as his hands roamed her back.
Aegon was nothing like Joffrey, who was currently imprisoned within the Red Keep along with his parents and grandfather. Sansa couldn't help but to feel drawn towards him, with his silver-blond hair and violet eyes. Joffrey was a bad memory to her. Aegon was not only of a noble lineage, but from what she had seen, an honorable warrior.
As much as Aegon would like to have stayed in bed with his new wife, he could not. Today was his first official day as King of the Seven Kingdoms, and there was much to do. Hesitantly, he broke off the kiss. There was the issue with the imprisoned Lannisters and the Iron Bank of Braavos was sending representatives to King's Landing in hopes of opening a new branch in the capital. They would arrive by the end of the week.
Sansa bit her lip. "Out of all of the highborn girls...you chose me to be your Lady and Queen. Why me?" she asked.
"You have a good heart, Sansa. A bit naive, but a good heart nonetheless. Well, that and my greatest weakness is the tears of a woman."
There was another reason as to why Aegon had chosen Sansa as his bride. Unlike the other highborn girls, who saw a chance for their families to gain influence through the wedding bed, Sansa was different. Sansa was indeed naive on how the game of thrones worked, but after her family's temporary fall from grace, she began to wise up and see that everything is not what they seem. She was also honorable, as her parents were Ned and Catelyn Stark.
Nymeria Sand gave her opinion to her cousin one day while alone with Aegon. 'Sansa's view on being a princess has all but been destroyed by Joffrey's cruelty. But she can learn from her mistakes. Her mind is sharp and with Olenna Tyrell also mentoring her, her tongue will be sharp as well. She has the potential to become a more popular queen than that of Cersei.'
"So...today is the day?" Sansa asked.
Aegon nodded. "Yeah. Today is the day of the Lion's comeuppance."
Sansa knew that this was a long time coming. No one in the Seven Kingdoms would dare to rise up against Tywin Lannister. Even she had listened to 'The Rains of Castamere' and it chilled her to the bone as Cersei and Joffrey had it placed for her and explained the song's meaning one night while her father was imprisoned, threatening to do the same to her House. But Rhaegar Targaryen did. He did not cower in the face of the Lion. The Lord of Dragons had fought the Lion, and won.
'A song is just that, a song," Rhaegar had explained. He had listened to the song as well in his youth, and was not impressed.
"So what will happen to them?"
"Tywin and Jamie will be a head shorter, most likely, as is Littlefinger," Aegon replied. "Joffrey will take the black and be sent to the Wall. The High Septon has put in a request to my father, asking that Cersei performs a walk of penance. She will be placed under house arrest and banished from both King's Landing and Casterly Rock."
Sansa couldn't help but to smile. Joffrey freezing his cock off at the Wall would be a sight to see. On top of that, he would have to take orders from Jon. Sansa's expression fell when she remembered her elder brother, Jon Snow. Her father's bastard son. Like Catelyn, she had treated Jon poorly. Her time with Nymeria Sand had all but changed that. When she had the chance, she would write a letter to Jon and apologize for how she treated him.
The servants entered the room, and after Sansa had her bath, began to dress.
It was her first day as Queen, and she wanted to make an impression with the royal court, after all.
With Robb and Talisa...
"For the record," Robb Stark began as he tied his robe around his waist, looking at his wife, who was naked on the bed, "I can't promise not to attack you again if you don't put some clothes on."
Rhaenys giggled. "Attack, attack o mighty wolf."
Robb let out a chuckle as he took a pull from a glass of wine left on the table. "Are all Targaryen women limber in bed?" he asked. "Or just you?"
"Just me. Comes with being trained in swordfighting," Rhaenys replied as she opened a book and proceeded to take several notes.
"What's that?" asked Robb.
"A book on natural medicine. Winterfell is home to a variety of herbs which can be used for healing. I've also brought some seeds from Volantis and the Free Cities which can be planted during the winter. Seeds which can also be used for medicinal purposes."
Robb walked back to the bed, sat down beside her, and kissed her shoulder. "A warrior and a healer. You are a woman of many talents, Rhaenys."
"I think your mother does not like me very much."
Robb kissed Rhaenys' shoulder again. "She does. You're not exactly a traditional lady in her mind, despite being Rhaegar's daughter."
Rhaenys remembered the encounter with Catelyn after she had found out that she was teaching Arya the Water Dance. Cat had disapproved of Arya's 'dancing lessons' and despite Ned's best efforts, went on to confront Rhaenys while she was teaching Arya. In the end, Cat had approved of Rhaenys teaching Arya...albeit grudgingly. Robb did not know what was said between his mother and his wife, and did not ask.
"At least Arya likes you, as does my father," Robb pointed out. "Arya thinks that you are Nymeria reborn."
"I could be, as I can trace my lineage from my mother's side to her. And what do you think about me?" asked Rhaenys, smiling cheekily.
"You..." Robb paused to kiss her shoulder yet again, while working his way up her neckline, ending at her lips. "...I am...very...much...in love with."
"Smart answer."
"I hope so." Robb said as he remembered the practice match with Rhaenys the previous day, with Roose Bolton, the Blackfish, the Greatjon Umber and Oberyn Martell as witnesses to the match, and even he had to admit that his wife was a formidable warrior. The Red Viper knew as much, and Rhaenys also earned the respect of his father's bannermen as a result. Even the stoic Roose Bolton offered his congratulations to Rhaenys, a feat in itself.
After another makeout session which was rapidly deteriorating into another lovemaking session, the couple was interrupted by a knock on the door. "Robb. Rhaenys. It's time," the Blackfish's voice came through the door.
Robb and Rhaenys knew what that meant. It was time for the Lannisters face their past sins.
It was Aegon Targaryen's first official day as King of the Seven Kingdoms.
His father had groomed him to become King in his stead. Unlike Cersei, who had wished for Joffrey to become a puppet ruler, Rhaegar had made sure that Aegon would be a just and fair ruler. One week had passed since being named King of Westeros, and events had moved even faster than the Rain of Fire and Tywin Lannister's surrender. Vassals and the minor House Lords subservient to the Main House Lords flocked to King's Landing.
The coronation had taken place the previous day inside the Throne Room. Aegon Targaryen was King. When it became known that Sansa Stark was now Sansa Targaryen, the highborn ladies were disappointed in the fact that Aegon Targaryen was already taken. With the Stark-Lannister War over, Ned had arranged for a household guard to be assigned to King's Landing fo Sansa, while Rhaegar did the same for Rhaenys when it came time for her to head for Winterfell with her husband. Dressed in all black, the crown on his head, Aegon looked like he was ready to bolt. His new bride was in the same boat as he was. Sansa had never expected to become queen. But here she was, clad in royal silks, looking every bit as the Southern woman despite her Northern origins. A diamond tiara rested on her head.
"Seven Hells," Aegon muttered. "What did I get myself into?"
"Calm down, son," Rhaegar said, placing one hand on his shoulder. "You've led men into battle. You can do this. Take a deep breath and relax. It gets easier over time."
Aegon did just that.
Sansa gave her husband's hand a squeeze. "It's okay, my love. I'm nervous too."
Aegon gave his wife a smile and a kiss on the forehead. "Good to hear." He then steeled himself for what was to come. The trial of the Lannisters and their supporters. In truth, it was not as much as a trial, but rather a public confession of their crimes before delivering the final judgement.
Taking one final breath, Aegon steeled himself. "I'm ready."
Rhaegar nodded to the two Unsullied who stood at the door. They opened it and Aegon entered the throne room, Sansa at his side, looking as regal as she could be. Rhaegar Targaryen and Daenerys Stormborn followed close behind. The room was adorned with the black-and-red banners containing the sigil of the Targaryens: the three-headed dragon. The gathered highborn took a knee and curtsied for the royal couple.
"All hail His Grace, Aegon of House Targaryen," the royal steward bellowed. "Sixth of His Name, King of the Andals and of the First Men. Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm. His Wife, Queen Sansa of House Stark and House Targaryen."
Aegon took his seat on the Iron Throne. Sansa sat down in a velvet chair next to her husband. Rhaegar took his place on the opposite side of his son. Jorah Mormont stood alongside Barristan Selmy, both men clad in the armor of the Kingsguard. Rhaegar had pardoned Jorah for the crime of slavery, but it came with a price. Jorah had to serve in the Kingsguard for the remainder of his life. Ned disapproved, of course, but accepted Rhaegar's decision in the end. Oberyn Martell was tapped to be the King's Justice, a position that the Red Viper relished.
Ned, his family and the Northern representatives - Rickard Karstark, the Greatjon Umber, Roose Bolton and his bastard son Ramsay Snow - were the closest to the Iron Throne. Rhaenys Stark stood alongside her husband, hand interlocked together. Arya Stark stood in front of her brother and his bride, Nymeria and Grey Wind flanking her. The three men knew Rhaenys as Talisa, but were very much surprised to find out that Talisa was actually the daughter of the Lord of Dragons. Hoster Tully and the Blackfish stood alongside Cat.
"Rise," Aegon commanded.
The court complied.
"Today marks the dawn of a new era in Westeros," began Aegon. "The era in which the Dragon will lead Westeros into a second golden age of peace, order and prosperity. But before that can happen, the Lion and his allies will have their comeuppance, one which is long overdue."
A snap of his fingers and Tywin Lannister was brought in by two Unsullied. The time spent inside the dungeons within the Red Keep had not been too kind on him. His clothes were soiled and filthy, and there was stubble on his face, His wrists were rubbed raw, as Rhaegar did not have his irons removed ever since being imprisoned within the Red Keep. It was a shocking contrast compared to the Lion of Lannister prior to the Rain of Fire.
Jamie and Cersei did not look any better than their father, Cersei still wearing the dress she wore on the day Rhaegar assaulted King's Landing, now in tatters, Jamie sporting a busted lip, courtesy of Raewald Reyne. Unknown to her father and brother, Cersei tried to seduce her way out of her prison cell during her interrogation sessions with Reyne. And failed. Cersei always believed that a woman's best weapon was between her legs.
During her time as a prisoner within the Red Keep, she came to regret those words. Raewald's assistant had fucked her, with the promise of freeing Cersei from her cell. Too bad that he did not keep his end of the bargain. He fucked her several times, until he got tired of her. Then several other men had their way with her until they cast her aside. When asked later by Raewald about how was Cersei, the reply was "not that great, a Braavosi woman was more tight than her."
When Tyrion Lannister found out, he laughed. Cersei had mocked him about his first wife when Tywin had forced him to watch as Tysha fucked the entire Lannister garrison. It reminded him of a line he once heard from a visiting Braavosi merchant. "Karma is a bitch. You would be wise to remember that."
Lancel Lannister followed Cersei, also shackled and unkempt, the former squire of the Usurper looking petrified. He knew that he was going to die for his role in Robert's death. Joffrey had to be gagged as he continued to proclaim that he was the rightful King. Last, was Littlefinger. His eye was swollen and he was holding his side, which meant that several of his ribs were cracked from the interrogation sessions he had endured within the dungeons of the Red Keep.
The bound Lannisters and Littlefinger were brought before the Iron Throne and forced to kneel.
"Tywin Lannister...so glad that you and your ilk could join us," Aegon drawled. "You know, you're not what I expected from what the other Lords told me about you. In a way, I'm actually disappointed."
"Here I am," Tywin grated, getting over his shock at seeing the Targaryens alive. "So what now? You will slay my family in a misguided attempt at vengeance?"
"You see it as vengeance. I call it justice," Aegon replied. "Your crimes are great, Lannister, and that of your children are not too far behind. For the Kingslayer, the charges of regicide on King Aerys II Targaryen, and the attempted murder of Bran Stark. For your whore of a daughter, conspiracy to commit regicide and the crime of regicide. The Usurper may have been a false king, but he was a king nonetheless. For your nephew, conspiracy to commit regicide and the crime of regicide. For your grandson, the attempted murders of both Bran Stark and Lord Eddard Stark. And for you, the charge of regicide on Queen Rhaella Targaryen, the murder of Lyanna Stark, and the attempted murder of my mother, my sister and myself. As for Littlefinger, he is charged with conspiracy of murder of your successor as Hand, Jon Arryn."
"Be careful how you speak of my children, false King," Tywin threatened.
"Silence!" Oberyn shouted, striking the bound Lannister with his fist, drawing blood, ignoring the cries of Cersei. "How dare you speak to your king in such a manner!"
"Thank you, Uncle," Aegon said. "You forget yourself, Lannister. You forget who is on the Iron Throne and who is in irons before me. Speak to me in such a manner again, and I'll have Oberyn remove your tongue."
A teenage boy of seventeen stepped forward, followed by a prostitute holding a baby in her arms, having been summoned at Aegon's request. Ned recognized them as Gendry, the blacksmith's apprentice who was now his ward, and the whore who was the mother of little Barra.
"As you know, Lord Tywin," Aegon continued, pronouncing Tywin's former title with sarcasm, "The Usurper was known to sleep with any and every woman. The boy and the newborn girl are one of several of Robert's bastard children. The characteristic in which all Baratheons share are their dark hair and blue eyes. All of Robert's bastards share that characteristic. Lord Stannis' daughter also shares the same dark hair and blue eyes as her father. Yet...your grandchildren have the golden hair and green eyes of the Lannisters. It is a known fact that most children take after their father. It was Jon Arryn who discovered the truth. That same secret in which young Bran Stark was nearly killed over. The same secret which almost cost Ned Stark his head. Your grandchildren are not the trueborn children of Cersei and the Usurper. Their father...is Cersei's brother, the Kingslayer himself."
Whispers and mutterings were heard throughout the throne room as Tywin glared at Jamie and Cersei. He had read the proclamation and the part concerning his grandchildren's parentage, and had originally denied it. Now, he was starting to have serious doubts. "Is this true?" he demanded. "Is what he says true?"
Both Jamie and Cersei remained silent. But their silences spoke many volumes.
"Seven Hells...it is true," Tywin muttered, disbelief on his face. "My grandchildren...bastards...all of them. You're no better than Tyrion..."
"Granted that my family had the tradition of marrying brother to sister, that was expected in order to preserve our bloodline. My father, the Mad King married his sister, Rhaella Targaryen. In the case of Cersei and Jamie, their secret was one worth killing for, as the Usurper found out the hard way." Rhaegar turned to Littlefinger. "Baelish manipulated Lysa Arryn to poison Jon Arryn, and used the discord between Houses Lannister and Stark to further his own ambitions. He nearly succeeded had we not intervened, not caring that his actions would have led all of Westeros into a civil war."
Cat had already known about the fact that Cersei's children were not Robert's but it still upset her nonetheless. Sansa was incensed, as was Robb.
"Do you not deny the charges that are brought before you?" Aegon asked, his voice cold.
Cersei saw the point in not trying to deny it. Raewald had made it clear to Cersei. She denies the charges, her children die. She would not let the prophecy of Maggy the Frog come to pass. "No. My brother and I do no deny the charges. I was the one who gave Lancel the fortified wine which made Robert sluggish, allowing the boar to gore him. As for the children...you speak true. Robert Baratheon is not the father. Jamie is."
"And you, Kingslayer?" demanded Aegon. "Do you not deny the charges which are brought before you?"
Jamie sighed. "No. I do not. It was I who pushed the Stark boy out of the window back in Winterfell when he caught my sister and me. And yes, I broke my oath as a member of the Kingsguard and slew the Mad King."
"For what reason did you have to murder my grandfather and break your oath, Kingslayer? What gives you the right to judge the Dragon?"
"Aerys was going to use the wildfire to burn King's Landing to the ground when it became clear to him that Robert was going to win the Rebellion," explained Jamie. "'Let Robert rule over charred bones and cooked meat. Burn it to the ground. Burn it all.' Those were his words."
The Wildfire Plot. Varys had notified Rhaegar of Aerys' attempt to burn all of King's Landing to the ground once he and his family were settled in Braavos. Rhaegar knew that his father was kissed with the madness, but even this was going to far.
Aegon then turned his attention to Lancel. "What say you, Lannister? Do you admit your role in the conspiracy to murder the Usurper?"
"I confess," replied Lancel. "Cersei gave me the fortified wine. Told me to get her husband good and drunk."
Rhaegar glared at Littlefinger. "Do you confess that you manipulated Lysa Arryn to poison her husband?"
Littlefinger nodded.
"Do you also confess that you tried to frame Tyrion Lannister for the attempted murder of Bran Stark?"
Again, Littlefinger nodded.
"And did you conspire with Cersei Lannister to place a false King on the Iron Throne?"
Another nod.
"And you, Tywin Lannister," Rhaegar said, violet eyes staring down at the old man, who glared defiantly back at him. "It's over for you. You're finished. Do you not deny giving the order to sack King's Landing?"
"I do not."
"Do you not deny giving the order to murder my family?"
"I do not."
"And do you not deny ordering the murder of Lyanna Stark?"
Tywin was silent on the matter. But the look in his eyes told Rhaegar everything. Tywin prided himself on not losing his temper. But that was starting to wane.
"Do you not deny having Lyanna Stark killed?" Rhaegar demanded. "Answer me!"
"Yes! Yes, I had the wolf-girl killed!" Tywin bellowed.
Rhaegar took a moment to compose himself, and was failing. Dany placed one hand on her brother-husband's shoulder and Rhaegar managed to get his anger in check. "Why?"
"You wasn't supposed to marry Elia," Tywin grated. "Cersei should have been your wife. Had that came to pass, my house would have had a stronger claim to the Iron Throne. But you chose to marry that Dornish whore instead."
Oberyn would have hacked Tywin to pieces on the spot, had it not been for Rhaegar's glare, a silent order for him to stay his hand. It took both Cat and Robb to keep Ned from strangling Tywin to death with his bare hands.
"Then you had your eyes on the wolf-girl," Tywin continued. "And when your father murdered both Brandon Stark and his father, I waited. When it became clear that Robert was going to win the rebellion, I threw in my lot with him. I knew that he would agree to a marriage proposal with Cersei, but you and your family had to be eliminated for that to happen."
"And Lyanna?"
"In the event she was pregnant with your child, she had to die as well, to remove any claimants to the Iron Throne."
Rhaegar kept his composure. "Do you have anything else to add before we pass sentence?"
"Wait!" Jamie shouted before his father could say anything. "We have the right for a trial by combat!"
Aegon nodded. "Indeed you do, Kingslayer. Name your terms."
"If my brother wins," Cersei cut in, "we go free. No questions asked. As Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, I choose my brother, as he is a member of the Kingsguard."
"Agreed," Aegon replied. "But if my champion wins, your execution will take place tomorrow."
Jamie grinned. "So who is going to be your champion, Your Grace?" he asked, pronouncing Aegon's title with blatant disrespect. He turned to Robb Stark. "Will it be you? You and I have unfinished business, little wolf. I promise you that your lovely new wife will become a widow before the day is out."
"Not him." Jamie turned his head. Rhaegar was stepping down from the raised platform. He had removed his longcoat, tossing it to the side. "My father believed that fire was the champion of the Targaryens. Not this time. You will fight me, Lannister. You will have one hour to prepare."
The grin never left Jamie's face. "An hour is all I need."
An hour later, and Jamie Lannister was brought back to the Throne Room, escorted by Barristan Selmy and Jorah Mormont. His old Kingslayer armor still fitted him, despite not having worn it since Tyrion had been arrested.
Rhaegar Targaryen stood in front of the Iron Throne, clad in his own armor. The armor was based off his original spiked armor, which the false Rhaegar had worn to his death at The Trident. It was black, as with the original armor, save that the armor itself was light, as it had been crafted from Valyrian Steel. The blood-red cape was absent, as Rhaegar knew that it would be a liability for the battle to come. The helmet was also absent, as it would obscure his field of vision. The armor had served him well during his campaigns back east, and it had not let him down.
Jamie knew that he was the best swordsman in the Seven Kingdoms. Ned Stark came close to besting him. Rhaegar Targaryen was a different story. Even back when Rhaegar was in line to rule, Jamie could not best the older man in combat. Jamie unsheathed his own sword and waited. Daenerys and Missandei approached Rhaegar, the former holding Dark Sister in her hands, while the latter held Blackfyre. Jamie's cockiness faltered when Rhaegar calmly drew both swords and held them in both hands. Rhaegar was right-handed prior to the Rebellion. But now, it appeared that he was ambidextrous.
The sister-wife and lover of Rhaegar (it was known throughout the realm of Rhaegar's Naathi paramour) stepped back, while Rhaegar stepped forward. The Lord of the Dragons versus the Kingslayer.
Jamie made the first move. But Rhaegar calmly deflected Jamie's blade with Kingslayer. Jamie found out that he may be over his head while deflecting a blow from Dark Sister, Blackfyre carved a gash into Jamie's armor.
From her place with her husband and in-laws, Rhaenys whispered to Robb as the fight continued, "Father is enjoying himself."
Ned had overheard his daughter-in-law. "What?"
"Father is toying with him. Unlike the Usurper, Father had kept up his kills during our exile," explained Rhaenys. "Had he chose not to flee with the remnants of the royal family, he would have killed his cousin at the Trident. The Kingslayer has not fought in a war since the Usurper had taken the throne. Father, on the other hand...well, you know his exploits as commander of Blackfyre. Jamie Lannister does not stand a chance."
"You are certain of this?" asked Robb.
"Of course," his wife replied. "He can still beat my brother and myself in practice duels."
Meanwhile, Jamie's head rocked back as Rhaegar's fist - the one holding Blackfyre - smashed into his face, bloodying his nose. Once, twice three times, before backhanding the Kingslayer to the floor.
"Come now, Lannister," Rhaegar taunted. "I'd expected more of a challenge out of you. You claim to be the best swordsmen in all of Westeros, yet you can't beat me."
Jamie spat out a wad of blood. "So says the man who turned tail and ran, rather than to face Robert at the Trident."
"True, I did run, but it was only at the behest of my late mother and wife," the Lord of Dragons replied as Jamie got back to his feet. Jamie was more cautious now, as he found out that Rhaegar was as deadly with his steel. The two warriors locked blades. "Had you been a true father, you would know. You would do anything to protect your children."
"I AM A FATHER!" Jamie roared as he forced Rhaegar back.
"To what?" Rhaegar retorted as he deflected Jamie's sword swings. "Three bastard children whom you and Cersei passed off as Robert's for the better part of a decade?"
"Like you're the one to talk! Your family married brother to sister! You married your own sister before coming back here!"
"I admit that I did married Daenerys. The people accepted the dynastic incest between the Targaryens. Dany and I are the last to marry within the family," Rhaegar replied as he fought back, Jamie hard-pressed to defend against the Lord of Dragons's dual sword attacks. "You fucked your sister whilst she was married to that idiot cousin of mine."
"Whilst she was married? We've started when we were nine!"
"And she did not remain loyal to you. She fucked half the men in the dungeons hoping to get released, and even took Lancel in her bed whilse you were away."
Cersei groaned as she shrank from her father's angry glare. Tyrion was enjoying himself as Jamie confessed to secrets that were his and Cersei's alone. Tyrion and Bronn, on the other hand, were enjoying themselves as they watched the fight play out. Bronn had seen Rhaegar fight whilst serving overseas with a sellsword outfit, and knew that the Lord of Dragons was a formidable fighter.
"This fight was over before it started," Bronn muttered.
Tyrion cocked an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"There's no way that Jamie can win," the sellsword explained. "I've worked overseas as a sellsword. I've seen Rhaegar Targaryen fight before. Jamie does not stand a chance. Rhaegar is provoking him into making rookie mistakes. The fact that Jamie is losing his temper and confessing to most of his crimes is a bonus."
The battle was going in Rhaegar's favor, this the gathered audience knew. Jamie managed to tag Rhaegar with several good shots, but the armor did its job in protecting its wearer. Jamie was being forced back by Rhaegar, the battle clearly under his control.
In desperation, Jamie made a wide swing with his sword. Rhaegar saw it coming after moving out of the way, counterattacked.
SLASH.
THUMP.
Valyrian steel sliced through Jamie's exposed wrist like a hot knife through butter. Jamie's hand, still holding his sword, fell to the floor.
Jamie looked at his stump of an arm. Then at his hand. Then he began to scream as blood began to spill from he open wound.
"JAMIE!" screamed Cersei. She was held fast by Sandor Cleagne, who was assigned to mind the Lannisters during their duels.
"I win," stated Rhaegar as he turned his back on Jamie and made his way back to the Iron Throne.
With the defeat of Jamie Lannister, his fate, and that of his son, his father, cousin and twin sister, was sealed.
Rhaegar sheathed his swords and returned to his place at his son's side. "The gods have found favor with my father," the King intoned. "You have been found guilty. As King, I have no pleasure in the death of those who do wicked in the eyes of the Seven Kingdoms, but justice must be done."
He turned to the bound Littlefinger. "Petyr Baelish...for the crime of the murder of Jon Arryn and conspiracy of attempted murder of Eddard Stark of Winterfell, you are sentenced to death by beheading, with Lord Stark as your executioner."
Next, came Jamie Lannister, still holding his bloodied stump. "Jamie Lannister...for the crimes of regicide and the attempted murder of Bran Stark, you are sentenced to death by beheading, also with Lord Stark as your executioner."
Violet eyes rested on Tywin Lannister. "Tywin Lannister...for the crime of regicide, the attempted murders of my mother, myself and my sister, and the murder of Lyanna Stark, you are sentenced to death by beheading, also with Lord Stark as your executioner."
Next came the cowering Lancel Lannister. "Lancel Lannister...for the crime of conspiracy to commit murder, you are sentenced to death by beheading, with Lord Stannis Baratheon as your executioner."
Cersei looked defiant as Aegon glared down at her. "Under the circumstances, your crimes of conspiracy of regicide should earn you a place on the chopping block. However, I will show you mercy, as your children - bastards they might be - still deserve their mother. Cersei Lannister...you are banished from King's Landing for the remainder of your life, and will spend it under house arrest in the Westernlands at a location of my choosing. You are also banned from entering Casterly Rock for as long as you live. However, at the request of the High Septon, you will perform a walk of penance from the Great Sept to the Red Keep before you are banished from King's Landing. Your remaining children will also be banished from King's Landing. Originally, I was to have them fostered at Casterly Rock with your uncle, but decided that they will be with you instead."
Last, was the enraged Joffrey. "Joffrey Baratheon...or should I say, Joffrey Hill...for the crimes of attempted murder of Bran Stark and Lord Eddard Stark, you should be facing execution along with your father and grandfather. Thank your great-uncle, as he begged for mercy, of which I will grant."
Cersei and Jamie breathed out a sigh of relief.
"I will, however grant you the same courtesy as your mother wished upon Lord Stark. The same courtesy Lord Stark himself wished upon you when you broke your vows, Kingslayer," Aegon finished, enjoying the looks of horror on both Cersei's and Jamie's faces. Joffrey's expression soon matched that of his parents. "You will be taken to The Wall, where you will take the black and spend the remainder of your life in service to the Night's Watch. Should you desert from your post, then you will be executed."
"NO!" Cersei's screams rang throughout the hall. The proud Lannister sank to her knees, the Unsullied grabbing her arms to make sure that she did not escape. "You said that you would be merciful!"
"And I honored my word," Aegon replied. "Or do you think that taking the black is too merciful? I could feed him to my aunt's dragons instead."
"Wait." Sansa stood up from her chair.
Curious as to what his wife was going to do, Aegon watched as Sansa stepped from the platform and faced Joffrey. Despite being held both Jorah and Barristan, the deposed King looked rather smug as Sansa stared him down.
SLAP.
Sansa's pent-up anger and frustration towards her former betrothed was unleashed as she slapped Joffrey square in the jaw. The anger gave her extra strength, which caused Joffrey's head to rock to the side.
Aegon looked bemused, as did his father. Sansa's one single act of defiance had made quite the impression on the highborn. Olenna Tyrell and Nymeria Sand were very much impressed. Even Stannis Baratheon and Melissandre was mildly impressed, as Joffrey's treatment of Sansa following her father's arrest was made public knowledge once Aegon ascended to the Iron Throne.
To everyone present - from Ned Stark to even Tyrion Lannister - Joffrey had it coming.
"You BITCH!" Joffrey screamed and tried to lunge at Sansa, had it not been for the two Unsullied who had grabbed him and hauled him back. "YOU FUCKING BITCH! YOU DRAGON'S WHORE! I'LL KILL YOU! YOU'RE DEAD! YOU, YOUR WHOLE FAMILY! DEAD!"
That was all Joffrey managed to say before Oberyn knocked him out with a blow to the head.
"Get them out of my sight," Rhaegar ordered as Sansa calmly took her seat back at her husband's side.
Later on...
Tyrion Lannister was furious. No, furious was an understatement. He was irate.
Following the trial by combat and the sentencing, his father, nephew and siblings were taken back to their cells. Following a meeting with the Small Council, Tyrion went to visit his family in the dungeons one final time. He had been close to Jamie, but now, the relationship had all but become strained. He was looking forward to seeing Ned Stark take his father's head and made it a point to drink to Cersei and her penance walk that she would be forced to undertake the following day.
He had just returned from the cells, Jamie's confession ringing inside his mind.
A confession regarding his first wife, Tysha.
[Flashback]
"Tyrion, wait!" Jamie shouted. "There's something you should know. It's about her."
The Imp stopped in mid-step. He knew what Jamie was speaking of. He turned around and walked back to his brother's cell. "What about her?"
"Be silent," ordered Tywin. "She was nothing but a whore."
"No. She was not, Father," replied Jamie, in an act of defiance. "If I am going to die, I might as well do it with a clear conscience."
"Tysha? What about her?" demanded Tyrion.
"She was not a whore, little brother," confessed Jamie. "She was just a common girl, a crofter's daughter. Her feelings for you were completely genuine." He glared at his father. "Father disapproved of the union, as she was lowborn. He forced me to tell you that Tysha was a whore paid to make you into a man."
"Jamie!" Tywin bellowed.
Jamie was not deterred. "He did it just to teach you a lesson."
Tyrion looked at Jamie. Then he looked at Tywin, who looked unrepentant. Nothing else was said as he turned and stormed out of the dungeons, ignoring his brother calling his name.
[End Flashback]
Tyrion found Rhaegar at the courtyard with Dany and Missandei. Rhaegar turned around and noticed the angry expression on the Imp's face.
"Tyrion? What is it?" he asked.
"I have a request in regards to the executions tomorrow," the Master of Coin replied.
After Tyrion pitched his idea, Rhaegar grinned. "Consider it done."
Morning came. Cersei Lannister was taken out of her cell and delivered to the Great Sept of Baelor. The High Septon ordered the deposed queen to be bathed thoroughly, before having all of her hair removed from her body. By this time, the smallfolk was gathered along the path in which Cersei was to take. By that time, Cersei's exploits as a serial adulterer and of her bastard children were known, thanks to Raewald Reyne.
The penance walk was to take place an hour before noon. Cersei was presented to the people of King's Landing, her body devoid of hair, a scarlet cloak wrapped around her body. She flinched slightly as one of the Unsullied yanked it off her shoulders, exposing her naked body to the crowd, which riled them up even further.
Rhaegar had his guards to make sure that nothing would happen to Cersei as she made the long, painful trek to the Red Keep. He was sorely tempted to have this men disperse as Cersei reached the halfway point, and allow the crowd to tear her apart. Or rape her to death, whichever comes first. But in Cersei's case, a lioness which was humiliated and tamed was better than a dead one. Of course, if Cersei proved to be stubborn...
Daario Naharis and Sandor Cleagne stood behind Cersei, acting as her escort. "Move along, now," Darrio prodded, slapping Cersei on her bare ass. The former queen snapped her head back and glared at the foreigner on Rhaegar's payroll. All she got was Daario's smug grin to match her angry look.
This time, it was Sandor who shoved her, causing her to stumble a couple of steps forward. "Move, you whore," the Hound growled.
Cersei knew that if she did not do the penance walk, then Rhaegar will put her children to the sword. Slowly, she turned to face the jeering crowd, head held high. "I am a lioness. I shall not cringe for them," she muttered as she began her penance walk.
Her uncle was not present for the event. Neither was Tyrion. Kevan had became disgusted at what Cersei had done, and had agreed to Rhaegar's proposal of house arrest. Tyrion, on the other hand, was laughing at the schadenfreude-esque hilarity of Cersei trying to whore her way out of her prison cell. She had ridiculed him about his first wife. Bitter irony for her to do the same in an attempt to save her own skin. No Jamie and no Tywin to save her now.
Looking regal despite her lack of hair and clothing, Cersei walked through the streets as the smallfolk hurled their abuse at the deposed queen, both verbal and in the form of rotten vegetables.
"Traitor!"
"Kingslayer!"
"Lannister whore!"
"Usurper!"
'My children are waiting for me,' Cersei thought as the abuse continued. 'My children are waiting for me.' She faltered slightly, but continued to walk through the streets of King's Landing.
From the ramparts of the Red Keep, Rhaegar Targaryen watched in grim satisfaction at Cersei's humiliation as she approached the Red Keep. Standing beside him, was Tywin Lannister, still shackled, Rhaegar having him brought up to the ramparts in order to force him to witness Cersei's penance walk.
"It's funny. I always wondered how things would play out if my father actually agreed with the engagement between Cersei and myself," Rhaegar mused as Cersei continued her penance walk, moving ever so closer to the safety of the Red Keep. "Would you have came to the aid of my father when the Usurper pitched a fit all because Lyanna did not want to marry him?"
Tywin remained silent.
"Then again, I would probably have to worry about whether or not Cersei would keep her legs closed for the duration of the marriage," continued Rhaegar. "All that grooming, the preperation for her to be my wife...and you married her off to that idiot cousin of mine. All that preparation and you got a whore for a daughter who from what I've heard, is quite popular with the men in the dungeons. You pride yourself in being ten steps ahead of your enemies, Tywin. You can say that I picked up on some of your habits during your tenure as Hand to my father. Case in point, your secret communiques between House Frey and House Bolton."
Tywin stiffened slightly at that.
"You underestimated Ned Stark's son, and once you found out that he broken the marriage contract by marrying my daughter, you plotted with Walder Frey to have him killed. What surprised me was that you conspired with Roose Bolton and the Spicer siblings in your attempt to bring about the wolf's downfall." Rhaegar grinned. "Varys is not the only one with a information network. He has his little birds, while I have my shadows. House Frey was easy to bribe with your gold and my silver. By accepting my compensation for the terminated engagement combined with the knowledge regarding the Rain of Fire, Walder decided that gold and silver was the better than having to face dragonfire. As for the Spicers...the Faceless Men under my command are very good at what they do. Rolph Spicer was long overdue for retirement."
"How did you know about Bolton?"
"I give credit to Varys' little birds for that. For a eunuch, he has spies everywhere. That was one of the main reasons why I decided to back Ned Stark. The second is that I promised Lyanna no harm would come to her brother. Bolton's son should really learn how to keep his mouth shut and Roose should learn how to burn secret messages. You took advantage that Roose was still sore over the fact that it was the Starks, and not his House, which was the ruling House in the North, and conspired to overthrow and exterminate the Starks. With Ned Stark arrested, you saw your chance. The old wolf was upset at this revelation when Varys and I told him. Roose and his bastard even tried to kill Ned when confronted with the information. Suffice to say, Roose Bolton will be facing execution alongside you and the others. His son was not so lucky, especially when he tried to kill my daughter."
By this time, Cersei had managed to reach the safety of the Red Keep. Once the doors were closed behind her, she fell to her knees. Still naked, she was sent back to the dungeons.
"It's time," concluded Rhaegar. "The debt will finally be paid with the blood of the Lion. We could have avoided all of this, Lannister. Such a shame." He gave Tywin a cruel smile. "I win, Lannister. Remember that as your soul is sent screaming into the Seven Hells."
Following Cersei's walk of penance, was the execution.
The execution was to take place within the grounds of the Red Keep. Once the executions were over, the heads would be placed on pikes and the bodies would be fed to Dany's dragons. Aside from Tywin, Jamie and Littlefinger who were being executed, Janos Slynt, the former City Watch Commander was also sent to the chopping block, as was several surviving members of Gregor Cleagne's bannermen who had been captured when their leader was killed, twenty in total.
Cersei was brought to the execution site following her walk of penance, her naked body covered in the same red cloak from earlier and reeking of the rotten vegetables the smallfolk had thrown at her. Joffrey Hill was also present, both mother and son being forced to watch the executions of their loved ones. Tywin Lannister was on his knees, as was Roose Bolton, Jamie and the remnants of Gregor Cleagne's bannermen, hand bound behind their backs. Tywin looked defiant, while Jamie locked eyes with Cersei. Roose, Tywin and Jamie would be the last to die by Ned Stark's hand.
Ned Stark stood behind the bound men, Ice in his hands. The King's Justice, Oberyn Martell stood beside him, his own sword unsheathed. Sandor Cleagne was also called forth to execute his late brother's bannermen, as was Stannis Baratheon, having requested to execute Lancel Lannister for the murder of his elder brother.
Rhaegar wanted the Lannisters to die with an audience, hence the presence of the House Lords. Aegon and Sansa held the place of honor, as did Robb and Rhaenys Stark. Not even Kevan Lannister was exempt. The one thing that was out of place was the musicians standing nearby. He wanted to make an example out of the most feared man in all of Westeros. The same man who was glaring at him with hate-filled eyes.
Tywin Lannister wanted to secure his legacy. Rhaegar Targaryen also planned the same...by destroying the mythos surrounding the Lion of Casterly Rock.
Rhaegar turned to Joffrey. "You were right about one thing," he said. "Treason will never go unpunished." He then turned to Tywin. "With regards from your youngest son."
The Lord of Dragons snapped his fingers. The musicians raised their instruments and began to play.
No one knew the words, but everyone present knew 'The Rains of Castamere' when they heard it.
The song, one of Tywin's favorites, also served as a means of intimidation. Now, Rhaegar had it played to mock the once-proud lion as he faced his death. That infuriated Tywin to no end. Cersei held her tongue, but she was furious. Tyrion looked smug, as it was his idea for the minstrels to play the song of choice.
It was something that no one did not expect. Some of the men began to laugh.
"Gentlemen!" Rhaegar shouted to the group of executioners. "Bring me their heads!"
Baelish was the first to die as Ned stood behind him, Ice in his hands. Littlefinger knew that Ned was not going to show mercy for his role in his betrayal, but tried to plead for his life regardless. "Lord Stark...Ned...please...show mercy...Cersei...it was all her plan...It was just business...it was nothing personal..."
Those were his last words as Ned brought Ice down on Littlefinger's neck, slicing through bone, muscle and sinew. Littlefinger's head rolled once before stopping, his body falling to the ground.
"It was all personal to me," Ned grated.
Lancel Lannister was whimpering as Stannis raised his own sword over his head. He let out a scream which was cut off as Stannis decapitated him.
Oberyn Martell was methodical in his executions of the men, as were Sandor Cleagne. Ten of the men fell to the Hound's blade, while the other half lost their heads to the Red Viper.
Jamie Lannister never took his eyes off of Cersei. Not even when Ned moved into position and raised Ice over his head. Cersei mouthed the words 'I love you,' to which Jamie responded in kind, just as Ned ended his life. A strangled cry came from Cersei's lips as she watched as her twin brother's head rolled along the ground.
Roose Bolton said nothing as Ned decapitated him with Ice. As the song reached its conclusion, Ned stood behind Tywin, Ice stained in the blood of Littlefinger, Roose Bolton, and Jamie. The old lion glared at the Stark patriarch with hatred in his eyes as Ned raised Ice one final time. "For your whore of a sister?" Tywin sneered.
"No," Ned flatly replied as he brought Ice down, decapitating Tywin. "For me."
With the death of Tywin Lannister, the musicians ended 'The Rains of Castamere.'
As the body of Tywin Lannister fell, blood spilling from the stump, Rhaegar intoned in a mocking manner the final line of 'The Rain of Castamere,' "'Yes, now the rains weep o'er his hall, and not a soul to hear.'"
Never again would anyone be intimidated with 'The Rains of Castamere.' Not after today.
Cersei sank to her knees, her wails echoing throughout the area. Joffrey glared at the Lord of Dragons, who brushed him off. The Unsullied began to retrieve the bodies of the executed men and began to carry them off to the dragonpits, while several more Unsullied retrieved the heads to be placed on pikes along the Red Keep.
As Tywin's body was taken away, Bronn noticed something. "Huh. Would you look at that."
Tyrion looked up. "What?"
Bronn motioned to where the Unsullied was carrying off Tywin's corpse, taking note of his released bowels. "The jape about your old man was not true. Tywin Lannister can't shit gold after all."
Tyrion laughed at that. Bronn soon joined in.
Joffrey Hill was placed in the custody of Yoren following the execution of the Lannisters. Cersei and her remaining children said their goodbyes to him, before Joffrey was placed in chains and hauled off with the remaining prisoners who had chosen to take the black, rather than face execution at the hands of the Red Viper, followed by being consumed by the three dragons.
Kevan said not a single word to Cersei as he prepared to return to Casterly Rock. Thanks to her, his son was dead. Aegon and Rhaegar settled on a Lannister-held estate near Castamere. Her two remaining children said their goodbyes to Tyrion before leaving King's Landing for the final time.
Cersei was still naked, Rhaegar not giving her the dignity of getting dressed before leaving the capital. Cersei still had the cloak over her shoulders as she mounted her horse, one hand holding the reins while the other kept the cloak secure over her naked body. She was no longer the headstrong lioness she fancied herself to be. Rhaegar had taken everything from her save for her children, leaving her broken. Her eyes were red from crying, having been forced to witness the execution of her father, brother and cousin, her will broken after being used by various men whilst imprisoned.
Without a single word, Kevan Lannister left King's Landing. Cersei and her children followed, with an escort of the Brotherhood Without Banners to make sure that Cersei did not escape. Not a word was spoken from the House Lords as they watched Cersei leave King's Landing for the final time.
A new song was made in honor of Rhaegar's total rout of House Lannister and the deaths of Tywin, Jamie and Lancel. It became known as 'Fury of the Dragon' and it was sung to the tune of 'The Rains of Castamere.' As with the previous song, it served as a warning to whose who dare cross Rhaegar Targaryen.
Winterfell, three weeks later.
From King's Landing, Ned Stark and his family had taken a ship up north, thus avoiding any unwanted confrontations with the Freys at the Twins. Upon landing at the Dreadfort, Ned had notified the bannermen of Roose Bolton's betrayal. The bannermen had no problem in bending the knee to Ned.
From the Dreadfort, it was a two-week journey to Winterfell.
The wedding of Robb and Rhaenys took place in the godswood. Robb and Rhaenys exchanged rings and Robb placed the gray cloak with the insignia of House Stark over her shoulders, signifying that she was in the eyes of the old gods, no longer Rhaenys Targaryen but rather Rhaenys Targaryen Stark.
Along with Rhaenys, a squad of Targaryen house guards were assigned to Winterfell. They consisted of former sellswords and one Braavosi bravo, men who were veterans under Rhaegar's command for many years. Earlier that day, Ned had taken Rhaegar to the crypts, in which Lyanna Stark was buried. Nothing was said between the two men as Rhaegar placed a wreath of flowers at the base of her statue.
The Northern bannermen were present to witness the wedding of the future Lord and Lady of Winterfell. Even the King and Queen of Westeros and the Small Council made the trip to Winterfell for the wedding. Dany's dragons, however, remained in the South.
Following the wedding, was the wedding reception. To Ned, it reminded him of when Robert and his royal entourage had came to Winterfell. Only this time, Robb was seated at the place of honor alongside Rhaenys. King Aegon Targaryen and Queen Sansa Targaryen sat beside the happy couple.
It was during the wedding feast, that Jon Snow made his appearance.
"Jon!"
Even through the din of the festivities, Arya's voice was heard throughout the hall. Catelyn's eyes narrowed slightly as she watched her youngest daughter rush over to her husband's bastard son. He was not alone, as his albino direwolf, Ghost was at his side.
Cat began to rise from her seat, but relented when she felt Ned's hand on her shoulder. "Cat. Let it go. Let's not ruin Robb's day over a grudge."
Cat sighed and sank back to her seat, sulking.
"So that's your husband's eldest son?" Rhaegar asked.
Cat nodded.
"You shouldn't be so hard on the lad," the Lord of Dragons stated in a sage-like tone. "He did not ask to be born in such circumstances. Your husband was unfaithful to you, of that he admit, but you should not punish the boy because he is a reminder of your husband's adultery."
"What do you want me to do, Lord Rhaegar?"
"I know it's hard, Lady Stark, but you should try and mend your relationship with the boy." He gestured to Nymeria Sand, who was chatting with Margaery Baratheon and Arianne Sand. "Look at my niece, Nymeria. She is one of many bastards fathered by Oberyn, and she is at the right hand of your eldest daughter. One's status should never get in the way of ambition, if used for good. From what I've heard, Jon Snow is on the path of becoming the next Lord Commander of the Night's Watch. It's time to let old grudges go, Lady Stark."
Cat was silent for the rest of the feast as she contemplated Rhaegar's words.
"Jon! You made it!" Robb said, embracing his brother.
Jon Snow returned the embrace. "I go and join the Night's Watch and look what happens. Father is arrested and later exonerated, the Lannisters are dead, the Dragon is back on the throne and you are a married man. I should have joined you instead if I knew that that was going to happen."
Robb laughed at that. He then introduced Rhaenys. "Jon, my wife, Rhaenys Targaryen Stark. Rhaenys, my eldest brother, Jon Snow."
"Stark," Jon corrected. "Father had me legitimatized before leaving King's Landing."
Rhaenys embraced her brother-in-law and gave him a peck on the cheek. "Nice to finally meet you, Jon. Robb has told me so much about you."
"I'm happy to see that my brother has a good woman to keep him in line."
Rhaenys looked at her husband and smiled. "He is a work in progress. I heard that Joffrey has arrived at The Wall."
"He has," Jon confirmed. "Bastard thinks he is still King. Now Thorne has someone he hates more than me. Commander Mormont has taken me under his wing. He's grooming me to become the next Lord Commander of the Night's Watch."
"That's great news," Robb rejoiced.
"So how did you, of all people, end up falling for the daughter of Rhaegar Targaryen?"
"It's a long story."
Jon shrugged his shoulders. "I got time. Commander Mormont has given me leave for the rest of the week."
Following the bedding ceremony, the party began to wind down. Rhaegar and Daenerys had retired for the night to their room...where Missandei was already waiting for them. Catelyn also retired for the night, taking Arya with her. Sansa and Aegon had snuck off to the godswood, with a small guard for their escort.
Ned Stark approached his eldest son. "Robb has told me about you being next in line for Lord Commander," he said. "Congratulations."
"Thank you, Father," came the reply.
Ned sighed. "I promised you that we would talk about your mother. I guess now is a good as time as any."
The father led his son to a table and poured both himself and his son a glass of wine. It was going to be a long night for the both of them. They would continue to talk until the dawn.
Epilogue
[Shot of the Targaryen banner gently blowing in the wind.. The Narrator is an older Arya Stark.]
NARRATOR: And so, our story ends. After seventeen years in exile, House Targaryen is once again, the dominant House in all of Westeros, with Aegon Targaryen, the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Elia Nymeros Martell, seated upon the Iron Throne.
[Shot of The Wall, nighttime.]
NARRATOR: A year into Aegon's rule, winter has come to the people of Westeros and Essos. Soon after, came the Long Night and shortly afterward, the invasion of the White Walkers. Rhaegar Targaryen had long since prepared for this event. With the resources of the Pekara Merchant House at his command, Westeros and Essos would survive both the winter and the Long Night, which lasted for four years.
[Shot of the known world.]
NARRATOR: The people of the East looked to the Dragon for leadership following the Long Night. Through peaceful annexation, did Aegon took control of Essos, thus establishing the Second Valyrian Freehold, better known as the Targaryen Empire.
[Shot of Rhaegar Targaryen, in his armor, overlooking King's Landing.]
RHAEGAR: Despite not becoming King of the Seven Kingdoms, Rhaegar Targaryen would perform his duties as Hand to the King for the next forty years, serving both his son and grandson in his station. Through careful planning, Rhaegar made sure that all of Westeros and in the East survived the Long Night and the invasion by the White Walkers. During his tenure as Hand, Rhaegar would come to discover that the Targaryens were not the last of Valyria, as there were descendants of those who had escaped the Doom of Valyria living in Volantis. Rhaegar invited them to settle in Westeros, to which they did. Valyria would rise once again in what was once known as the Dreadfort under the name New Valyria. Rhaegar would be forever remembered by the people as a just and honorable man.
[Shot of Daenerys Stormborn Targaryen and her dragons.]
DAENERYS: Thought to have been barren, Darnerys was overjoyed to find out that she was pregnant with her brother-husband's child. Over the next five years, she would give Rhaegar four children: two boys and two girls. As during her time with the Blackfyre Mercenary Corps, Daenerys would become famous in the Seven Kingdoms for her love of justice, as well as for her dragons, earning her the nickname 'Dany the Wise.'
[Shot of Missandei in the gardens of the Red Keep.]
MISSANDEI: Rhaegar kept his promise to Missandei, and their children through her were legitimatized. Even though her children would not sit on the Iron Throne, they would play a role following the Long Night, in which the Valyrian Freehold was reformed under the rule of Aegon Targaryen. Her children would act as governors in Essos, their authority second to that of Rhaegar's eldest son. They would follow the example of their half-brother Aegon, and govern their provinces justly.
[Shot of Ned Stark polishing Ice in the Godswood, with Cat watching close by.]
NED: Eddard Stark and his wife would go on to survive the Long Night, and assist in the war against the White Walkers and their wights. Once the Long Night and the winter ended, Ned stepped down from his post as Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, allowing his son Robb to assume the post. Ned would spend the rest of his days alongside Cat in Winterfell, mentoring his grandchildren and offering sound advice to both Robb and Rhaenys.
[Shot of Robb and Rhaenys Stark, fighting back-to-back against an invasion of White Walkers.]
RHAENYS: Shortly after their marriage, the Long Night came upon Westeros and the East. As expected, the White Walkers and the Wights swarmed over the Wall. While Jon Snow and the joint forces of the Night's Watch and the Wildings kept most of the forces at bay, some of them did reach Winterfell. Rhaenys Stark and her husband led the defense of the castle, along with the Targaryen House Guard assigned to protect Rhaenys. Armed with Valyrian steel and dragonglass, Robb and Rhaenys defended Winterfell from the White Walkers. Their exploits would become one of legend, 'The Young Wolf and the Dragon Princess.'
ROBB: Following the Long Night, Robb and Rhaenys Stark would assume the mantle of Lord and Lady of Winterfell after Robb's parents decided to step down to live out the rest of their days in peace. Robb would become the father of a son and daughter. As with the prophecy that the maegi had given to Rhaegar Targaryen, his eldest son had the silver-blond hair and violet eyes of the Targaryens, while his daughter looked more like a combination of their parents. Benjen Rickard Stark would succeed his father as Warden of the North and Lord of Winterfell, while Elia Stark would marry into the Tyrell family and relocate to Highgarden.
[Shot of an older Arya Stark with Gendry Baratheon.]
ARYA: At seventeen, Arya eloped with Gendry Baratheon and had left Winterfell. Traveling to Essos, Arya made a name for herself as a bravo, while Gendry became a famous sellsword. She became known as 'Cat of the Canals,' to the bravos, and 'The She-Wolf of Winterfell' back home, while Gendry was simply known as 'The Bull.' After spending ten years abroad, the pair returned to Westeros, their fame spreading far and wide, their exploits having become legendary. The pair would settle in New Valyria, what was once known as the Dreadfort. Arya and her siblings remained close throughout the years.
[Shot of Aegon Targaryen on the Iron Throne.]
AEGON: For twenty years, Aegon Targaryen would sit on the Iron Throne. With his father as Hand to the King and his wife as his closest confidant, Aegon would rule Westeros with a just and fair hand. As it turned out, it was he, not his father, who was 'The Prince That Was Promised,' and through him, did the world survived the Long Night. In the aftermath, the people of the East looked to him for guidance and leadership. Aegon absorbed the continent through peaceful annexation and thus, reformed the Valyrian Freehold, ruling from King's Landing with his wife.
[Shot of Sansa Targaryen, standing alongside her husband, waving to the smallfolk as they walk through the streets of King's Landing.]
SANSA: With guidance from Nymeria Sand and Olenna Martell, Sansa Targaryen became the Queen that Cersei Lannister had failed to be. Sansa would become known as 'The Good Queen,' for her charitable works in the slums of King's Landing alongside Arianne Martell and Margaery Baratheon and the 'Rose of Winterfell' for her sharp tongue and even sharper mind. Sansa would give birth to two children, a boy, which she named Balerion Eddard Targaryen, while the daughter Viseriya Rhaella Targaryen. Balerion would later succeed his father and take Renly and Maegaery's daughter as his bride, while Viserya married a Valyrian nobleman. She would be revered by her descendants as the 'Mother of the Targaryen Dynasty.'
[Shot of Jon Stark with Ygritte at The Wall.]
JON: Jon Stark was named Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, a position he will hold for the next four years. With the threat of the White Walkers imminent, Jon, backed by Aegon Targaryen and his father, parleyed with the Wilding chieftain Mance Rayder. In exchange for their help against the White Walkers, the Wildings would be armed and supplied and have the chance to settle among the deserted fortresses along the Wall, so long as they did not attack the people south of the Wall. To seal the deal, Mance demanded that Jon take on a Wilding woman as his wife, something that has never happened in the history of the Night's Watch. Jon agreed to the conditions and took Ygritte as his companion, with the set condition that he was to step down once the White Walkers were defeated, to which Jon honored his word once the White Walkers were destroyed. Despite no longer being a part of the Night's Watch, Jon had his hands full in playing peacekeeper between the Northmen and Wildings alike, with great success.
[Shot of the Dragons flying overhead in King's Landing.]
DAENERYS: Drogon, Viserion and Rhaegal would not be the last of the Dragons seen in the Seven Kingdoms. When Rhaegar Targaryen offered the Valyrian descendants a place to stay in Westeros, they brought with them dragon's eggs that their ancestors managed to save from the Doom of Valyria. Daenerys hatched them, and the dragons mated. The night sky surrounding King's Landing, Dragonstone and the Crownlands would become alive with the song of Dragons, and were critical in the defense against the White Walkers.
[Shot of Joffrey Baratheon - make that Joffrey Hill - from the Great Sept of Baelor.]
JOFFREY: Having lost everything, Joffrey Hill was sentenced to take the black. Mocked and ridiculed even more than Jon Snow, Joffrey swore vengeance upon House Stark. On the eve of the Long Night, Joffrey deserted his post and infiltrated Winterfell, with the intention of murdering Ned Stark and his family. He instead found Rhaenys Stark, and decided that she would be his first victim. It would be the last mistake he would ever make.
[Shot of Cersei Lannister on her Penance Walk.]
CERSEI: The prophecy of Maggy the Frog came to pass. Sansa Stark has succeeded Cersei as queen, and Cersei had lost her children; Joffrey died whilst at the Wall, Tommen murdered by the White Walkers during the Long Night, and Mycella succumbed to illness. In her madness, she blamed Tyrion for her misfortunes and tried to have him assassinated, and failed. Not wanting to give Tyrion the pleasure of killing him with his bare hands, she took her own life.
[Shot of Tyrion Lannister, with Bronn and Shae.]
TYRION: Despite being disowned, Tyrion Lannister would come to relish his position as Master of Coin and running the brothels which once belonged to Littlefinger. He rewarded Bronn with a lordship in the Crownlands and married Shae. Their children did not share his deformity and would serve the Crown for many generations to come. Tyrion would die in his bed at the age of 80, surrounded by family and friends. Out of all of the Lannisters, he was the most respected.
[Shot of Beric Dondarrion, Sandor Cleagne and Thoros of Myr with the Brotherhood.]
BERIC: The Brotherhood Without Banners thrived under the Targaryen Dynasty, and in some cases, proved to be a more pleasant alternative to taking the black for dishonored highborn and petty criminals. While the Night's Watch defended the Wall against the White Walkers should they rise again, the Brotherhood defended the smallfolk from bandits and the mountain men who terrorized them. Their exploits would become romanticized in a series of novels which would become popular in Westeros and Essos.
[Finally, an exterior shot of the Red Keep.]
NARRATOR: Out story ends here. The Targaryens, once known for their madness, led Westeros and Essos into a golden age. Despite this, men fought and died under the firm rule of the Dragon. But in all cases, all men must die and all men must serve.
Snafu's Notes: And that's it. The story is finished. I've had a bit of trouble with the Epilogue until I said fuck it, we'll do this Fallout-style. For those characters I did not cover in the ending, I honestly had nothing to write down for them. To those who read my humble little fic, thanks for reading. Now I can get back to my two long-term projects.
This is Snafu the Great, signing off.
